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Vietnam: Tam Bui
by Toni Randolph, Minnesota Public Radio
May 15, 2005

Tam Bui is from Vietnam. He's been in the U.S. for nine years. (MPR Photo/Toni Randolph)

St. Paul, Minn. —
Tam Bui, 42, is from Saigon, Vietnam. He's 42 and has been in the US for nine years. He entered the U.S. as a refugee, along with his parents and a sister. They live together in St. Paul.

Tam Bui's other seven siblings are still in Vietnam with their families. Bui is taking English classes at Vietnam Social Services. He says he enjoys the schooling, although English is hard for him to learn because of his age.

Tam Bui says he and his family members came to the U.S. seeking more freedom. He says when they were in Vietnam, his father was imprisoned for 10 years because of the Viet Cong.

Tam Bui is responsible for taking care of his parents and sister, all of whom have health problems. So he's been unable to search for a job. When asked what his goals are, he says he just wants a simple life -- to get a job and have enough to survive. Then, he says, he'd be happy.